Overview
The VA offers several life insurance programs to protect veterans and their families. Understanding which programs you qualify for — and the enrollment windows — is critical, because some programs have strict deadlines that can't be extended.
Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Who's Covered
All active duty service members (and Ready Reserve members) are automatically enrolled in SGLI unless they decline or reduce coverage.
Coverage
- Up to $500,000 in coverage
- Increments of $50,000
- Premiums are very low — currently $0.06 per $1,000/month ($30/month for the full $500,000)
- Coverage includes traumatic injury protection (TSGLI) — automatic $1 rider providing lump-sum payments ($25,000–$100,000) for qualifying traumatic injuries
Spouses and Children
- Spousal coverage: up to $100,000 (premiums vary by spouse's age)
- Dependent children: $10,000 per child, free of charge
When SGLI Ends
SGLI coverage continues for 120 days after separation from service (free of charge). After that, it terminates unless you convert to VGLI.
Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI)
What It Is
VGLI allows veterans to convert their SGLI coverage to renewable group life insurance after separation. No medical exam required — but the enrollment window matters.
Enrollment Windows
| When You Apply | Medical Exam Required? |
|---|---|
| Within 240 days of separation | No — guaranteed acceptance |
| 241 days to 1 year after separation | Yes — must prove insurability |
| After 1 year | Not eligible for VGLI |
Critical: If you enroll within 240 days, you're accepted regardless of health conditions. After that, you may be denied. Don't miss this window.
Coverage and Costs
- Up to $500,000 (cannot exceed your SGLI coverage amount)
- Premiums increase with age (significantly more expensive than SGLI)
- Can increase coverage by $25,000 every 5 years up to the maximum
- Coverage is renewable for life
Premiums (Sample Monthly Rates for $100,000 Coverage)
| Age Range | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | $8.00 |
| 30–34 | $10.00 |
| 35–39 | $13.00 |
| 40–44 | $17.00 |
| 45–49 | $24.00 |
| 50–54 | $41.00 |
| 55–59 | $67.00 |
| 60–64 | $100.00 |
| 65–69 | $120.00 |
| 70–74 | $175.00 |
| 75+ | $250.00 |
Tip: As you age, VGLI premiums become very expensive. Once you're settled in civilian life, compare VGLI to private term life insurance. Many veterans find better rates on the private market, especially if they're in good health. Keep VGLI as a bridge until you can shop around.
Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI)
Eligibility
Available to veterans who:
- Separated under other than dishonorable conditions
- Have a service-connected disability (any rating, including 0%)
- Apply within 2 years of the VA's notice of a new service-connected disability
Coverage
- Basic coverage: up to $10,000
- Supplemental coverage: up to an additional $30,000 (if you're totally disabled — 100% or TDIU)
- Premiums are based on age and health at the time of application
How to Apply
Submit VA Form 29-4364 (Application for Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance) within the 2-year window.
Veterans Affairs Life Insurance (VALife)
What It Is
A newer program (launched 2023) providing whole life insurance to veterans with service-connected disabilities, regardless of when they were rated.
Eligibility
- Service-connected disability rating of 0% or higher
- Under age 81 when applying
- No time limit from the disability rating (unlike S-DVI's 2-year window)
Coverage
- Up to $40,000 in whole life insurance
- No medical exam required
- First 2 years: accidental death benefit only (like most whole life policies)
- After 2 years: full death benefit
- Cash value that grows over time
Premiums
Vary by age at enrollment. Generally affordable — designed to be accessible for disabled veterans.
Traumatic Injury Protection (TSGLI)
Automatic Coverage
All service members with SGLI automatically have TSGLI — coverage for traumatic injuries regardless of whether the injury is in combat.
Qualifying Injuries
- Amputations
- Loss of sight, hearing, or speech
- Severe burns
- Traumatic brain injury requiring hospitalization
- Paralysis (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- Coma lasting 15+ days
- Other qualifying injuries listed in the schedule
Payments
Lump-sum payments from $25,000 to $100,000 based on the injury type and severity. The payment schedule is predetermined.
How to Claim
Submit SGLV 8600 (Application for TSGLI Benefits) through your branch of service (if still serving) or through the VA (if separated).
Beneficiary Designations
Keep Them Updated
For all VA life insurance programs, review and update your beneficiaries whenever there's a life change:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a named beneficiary
Use SGLV 8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate) for SGLI changes, or update online through milConnect.
When No Beneficiary Is Named
If you don't designate a beneficiary, proceeds are paid in this order:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (in equal shares)
- Parents (in equal shares)
- Executor of your estate
- Other next of kin
Key Deadlines Summary
| Action | Deadline |
|---|---|
| SGLI to VGLI conversion (no exam) | 240 days after separation |
| SGLI to VGLI conversion (with exam) | 1 year after separation |
| S-DVI application | 2 years from new SC disability notice |
| VALife application | No deadline (under age 81) |
| TSGLI claim | 2 years from date of injury (exceptions exist) |